Systems Thinking Online Certificate

WPI’s Online Graduate Certificate in Systems Thinking is designed to meet the needs of those students interested in systems engineering education but have undergraduate degrees in non-engineering disciplines. The first program of its kind in the nation, this program will give you the skills and tools you need to develop a deep understanding of underlying structures of dynamic systems and analyze and apply cyclical patterns to solve complex challenges. The interdisciplinary six-course certificate is designed for both engineers and non-engineers who work on creating, monitoring, and deploying innovative products and services.

When a student completes the graduate certificate in systems thinking, they will be able to:

Understand how the parts of a dynamic, complex system operate, fit together and interact with its operational environment.

Improve performance in complex systems through a better understanding of the complexities and their interactions through modeling and analysis.

Develop robust solutions to complex problems through critical thinking and a holistic approach to problem solving.

Understand the fundamental dynamics that drive project performance, including the rework cycle and feedback effects, schedule pressure and staffing, and risk management.

Ask “What if…?” questions for the causes and effects for the parts, the whole target system, and for the target system functioning in the intended operational environment.

Courses

The graduate certificate in systems thinking requires the successful completion of 18 graduate credits for a total of 6 courses. Students must take 4 required courses and 2 breadth courses selected from the School of Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, System Dynamics, or Systems Engineering.